“You made a terrible mistake, and more of our brothers have died in vain. Damn you for forcing me into this position. ” – General Hummel

Number of Times Seen – At least 2 (Theater in 1996 and 16 Nov 2015)

Brief Synopsis – An FBI chemical weapons specialist is teamed up with the only man to ever escape Alcatraz in order to stop a patriotic US General from starting WWIII after he takes control of Alcatraz Prison.

My Take on it – Certain movies are made because they want to show big explosions and action packed fights.

This is one of those films.

Neither of the two stars here, Sean Connery or Nicholas Cage, really feel like they should have been cast here, but ultimately their back and forth bickering throughout helps make this movie so enjoyable.

The plot and premise is quite extreme and feels silly but it helps to add to the fun of it all.

Great supporting cast that includes Ed Harris, John C. McGinley, David Morse, John Spencer, William Forsythe and Michael Biehn.

Director Michael Bay’s collaboration with Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer also helped make this film action packed on the cusp of an epic scale.

If only the movie had a bit more substance it would have been even better…

Bottom Line – Crazy premise that still works because it’s done in such s fun way. Connery and Cage both feel so miscast yet keep things enjoyable. Combination of Bay with Simpson/Bruckheimer makes for one hellava action packed film but it unfortunately lacks substance. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – According to William Forsythe when he was three weeks into shooting the movie and they were about to shift locations for filming, Forsythe was mistaken for an extra when he was getting a hot dog from the set’s catering. Forsythe said the employee told him that extras weren’t allowed food from craft services and she summoned security, who subsequently said that he was part of the main cast. Forsythe said “I ate my hot dog, but I’m thinking two things: the fact that, after three weeks on the movie, I was being forbade a hot dog, and, ‘I don’t know what the hell they’ve got for the extras today. Trail mix, maybe?'”. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)

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16 thoughts on “Criterion Blogathon – The Rock (1996)”

The Rock gets some hate from Criterion enthusiasts because it is not exactly the same speed (it is fast) and, well, Michael Bay. I remember seeing it in theaters when it came out, like you, and enjoying it. This isn’t a film to scrutinize, but just turn off your brain and enjoy.

I haven’t revisited it since, but there is a short podcast about the Criterion edition that I found really interesting. It is a very short cast, but you may want to check it out:http://www.esn.fm/criterioncollected/1

I was surprised to see this included in the Criterion collection, but I do think Connery and Cage have good on-screen chemistry. (Is there anyone Sean Connery does not have good on-screen chemistry with?)

Thanks for bringing this action-packed feature to the Criterion party!

I love this movie and I am a proud owner of the Criterion Collection DVD! It’s awesome you reviewed this for the blogathon. I have watched the car chase alone at least 60 times. I’m not as proud of that.